Michelle Stanley

Welcome to my blog! I write on a variety of topics, and want to share them with you. It's going to be fun keeping you entertained with my stories and articles, including reviews and how to guides. As I let my fingers do the typing, who knows which topic will be posted next. Keep checking to find out, and thanks for visiting me. Michelle

Ronovan Hester @ Ronovan Writes is the host of this challenge that starts every Monday and the deadline ends Sunday. He chooses two words that are to be used in the challenge and anyone can participate. You can click the above link for the contest guidelines if interested in joining the challenge.

CHANGE & MIND

adapt to meet change

seasons quickly come and go

keep an open mindimage courtesy of www.wikimediacommons.orgPlease, feel free to comment

Wednesday, 16 March 2016

There is a highly sophisticated activist network located beneath Bedlam Zoo known as (EKTEK(ecology and technology.)An assorted team of animals affectionately called “environmental warriors” control this network. Two of their primary aims are to ensure that all animals learn to co-exist peacefully with one another while defending their rights to live in freedom and not in captivity. Organizations such as PETA work closely with the network via the Internet, unaware that they are not corresponding with other humans.

Unfortunately, EKTEK’s strong organization begins to weaken after serious problems develop. Antenna, a numbat and one of the network’s top leaders becomes frustrated when faced with these issues. Hod, a wallaby with a rebellious streak disregards her instructions while on surveillance duty at the zoo’s Last Chance to Eat Restaurant. He creates a commotion that almost exposes them. Chimera, a flirtatious monkey enjoys batting her long eyelashes and playing innocent when accused of causing trouble. This time, she has gone too far so her mates want her banned from the monkey house.

Humans capture a crocodile named Hardtack and his wives led by devious Shining Teeth demands EKTEC’s help to rescue him. Shining Teeth decides to take matters into her own claws when EKTEK does not respond as quickly as she wants and lures Hod into her vengeful scheme.

EKTEK is a magnificent story about animals who are far more intelligent and educated than humans believe. An engaging, emotional drama that has its fair share of sadness, amusement, and justice. Visuals of a Palm Cockatoo piloting a wing ship, a frog flying a plane and a space ship that uses beetle juice for fuel are hilarious.

This novel contains numerous intricacies in the plot, making comparisons between humans and animals since the animals emulate humans in almost every way. I am impressed with Victoria Osborne, who is a very talented, imaginative storyteller. Her unforced writing style emits the strong passion she has for nature. I highly recommend reading her entertaining book. It will also make interesting table talk.

Friday, 4 March 2016

Book Review:“Words are easy, like the wind; Faithful friends are hard to find.”- William Shakespeare

A Day with Moo: A Best Friends Book a cute children’s story from The Adventures of Midge and Moo Series by Kerry McQuaide, who is also the illustrator.

Midge and Moo are best friends who are inseparable. They even came home together two days after Midge was born. The friends love to play and Moo always becomes the patient under “Doctor Midge’s” care. There are times though that Moo does things to annoy Midge. Tracking dirt onto the floor is one of them because Mommy always gets upset and make her take a bath. Naughty Moo has to take a bath as well, so Midge feels less moody knowing she is not the only one Mommy saw.

A Day with Moo: A Best Friend Book by Kerry McQuaide will delight small children age 5 and under. This short story makes an amusing read. It will appeal to young ones who usually have their special toys like Moo the cow that sometimes get them into trouble too.

Kerry McQuaide’s primary aim is to promote love and friendship through memorable stories that will bring joy to children. I like the lovely illustrations that the author created and the gift offer she included. A Day with Moo is free to download on IBooks, Kobo, and Amazon.The Adventures of Midge and Moo Series will become a favourite collection for young readers.

Here are other books from The Adventures of Midge and Moo Series

Letter to Santa * Moo Knows Numbers * Moo is Missing * Lost in the Garden

About the Author and Illustrator,Kerry McQuaid:

I grew up with parents and sisters who believed snuggling and laughing were a part of reading picture books. That probably explains my love and enthusiasm for writing and illustrating stories for kids.

Stories are fun, but it’s more than that…each book a child reads is a

doorway into understanding more about herself/himself and more about the world

she/he lives in.

I want to create those doorways—to laughter, to learning, to imagined

worlds, and most importantly… to connecting with each other.

To connect with me, see stories and drawings in progress, plus receive free

Sunday, 14 February 2016

Peter R. Stone is the author of Impersonator from the post-apocalyptic trilogy – Forager Impersonator. The year is 2021 A.D. Chelsea and her twin brother Brandon Thomas live with their family in Newhome, a town that enforces archaic laws and severely punishes its residents for not conforming to them. The siblings dream of escaping their regimented hometown, but they know that it is impossible because the intimidating Custodians constantly monitors everyone.

When Brandon suddenly disappears, Chelsea disguises herself to become her brother's replacement at his job site. Women are forbidden to work or dress like males, but Chelsea needs the money to support her mother and younger sister. While working with Brandon’s unscrupulous co-workers, she begins to suspect the reason for his mysterious disappearance. Chelsea’s sleuthing is hampered when local bullies rob and beat her up, believing she is Brandon, whom they have targeted for a reason.

Impersonator is from the Forager Impersonatorpost-apocalyptic trilogy that I liked a lot, and was impressed with its catchy beginning. This is a thought-provoking story from Peter R. Stone who displays his creative side with a fluid writing style. I would rebel if I had to live such a restricted lifestyle like the residents of Newhome. Chelsea, who narrates the story, has a very courageous attitude and a compassionate side. A few other characters who were also noteworthy livened the intriguing plot as well.Peter R. Stonehas written a wonderful book, and I look forward to reading more from his Forager Impersonator trilogy.

Disclaimer*** I received Impersonator in exchange for a fair review. ***

Friday, 8 January 2016

I am participating in the Framed and Burning blog tour which ends today and hope you get the chance to read the book.

Book Review:"Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practise to deceive!" - Sir Walter ScottFramed and Burning from the Dreamslippers Mystery Series by Lisa Brurnette definitely has a large web filled with deception. Famous artist Mick Travers comes under suspicion when his studio is set on fire, killing his assistant, Donnie. Mick's sister, Grace and niece, Cat, reaches out to help prove his innocence by using their inherited dreamslipping skills. A dreamslipper has the ability to possess other human bodies to see what their dreams entails.Cat becomes wary of Mick after she enters his dream, but it also opens old wounds she would rather forget. There are many rivals in the art world who want to see Mick's downfall, but what are their reasons for hating him? The case brings Mick and Grace closer as they unite to dig into the past that is somehow connected to his uncertain future. Unfortunately, dreamslipping into another's dream can bring more pain and bewilderment than clues, which are not readily forthcoming.Framed and Burning is the sequel to Cat in the Flock from the Dreamslippers Mystery Series. I liked the story and was absorbed in its intense, steady-paced mystery. There were so many twists so it was difficult to guess who the actual culprit behind the crime was, but I tried. Mick was such a complex man who made it difficult for anyone to get close to him, but I still liked him. Lisa Brunette writes boldly and expresses exactly what she is thinking. Her extremely detailed writing format emitted clear visuals, and the characters appeared comfortable in their roles with unforced emotions and dialogue. It was interesting to see how the dreamslippers worked as each one had a different method of invading and analysing dreams. Framed and Burning is a book I recommend reading.

Lisa Brurnette is the author of the Dreamslippers Mystery Series. Book One, Cat in the Flock is an Indie BRAG honoree title that has been praised by Kirkus Reviews, Mid West Book Review, Readers Lane and others. She is a career writer/editor whose work has appeared in daily newspapers and magazines, including the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Seattle Woman, and Poets and Writers. Lisa Brurnette has interviewed a Pulitzer Prize author, a sex expert, homeless women, and the designer of the batmobile, among others. She is a member of Mystery Writers of America and the Pacific Northwest Writers Association, and has received many honors for her writing. These include a major grant from the Tacoma Arts Institution, the William ford Award, and the Associated Writing Programs Intro Journals Project Award.

Monday, 14 December 2015

Terrorists spark a worldwide oil and gas crisis while imports grind to a halt. Europe and Britain are erupting into chaos as food runs out and desperate people take matters into their own hands.

As the government begins to seal off rioting parts of the city, Corporal Harry Miller takes an offered discharge to get his sister and her kids to safety. But he's not fast enough. Trapped in the city with a rag-tag collection of ordinary citizens, Harry struggles to create a small pocket of stability - a place to ride out the coming confrontation between rioters and the Army, and save themselves from annihilation.

Excerpt:

The sergeant got the squaddies all sorted out and lined up by the time the Hercules finished taxiing from the runway to wherever. By then Harry had made sure his stick was invisible inside his pack because it wasn't allowed in public. The men organized purely by their remaining gear with no reference to what unit they belonged to. Because he had a full set of kit, Harry was in the first thirty off. They started off as soon the back door lowered into a ramp even if the view didn't help.

Harry couldn't see where they were going since the ramp pointed back towards the runways. The first thing he noticed was the puff of vapour as everyone breathed out. Then the cold bit through his clothing, reminding Harry, and the rest, that it was January and they were no longer in a desert. The soldiers wheeled as instructed and came around the end of the plane, and into view of the terminus.behind the terminus.

The view of the terminus wasn't quite as expected. Harry didn't actually think there would be a cheering crowd, but nobody at all in one of the busiest airports in England was. Nobody seemed to be in any of the parked planes outside the terminal, and nobody behind the terminal windows. Not even staff or Army brass to greet them.

There was plenty of debris around the planes as they marched past and a lot of noise somewhere ahead. There weren't any footprints in the light snow.The place really was deserted, though still warm inside. The soldiers marched into the main hall and came to attention in ranks, and an officer appeared.

As soon as he spoke it was apparent from his voice that he was the one from the plane. "There has been a breakdown in law and order. Martial Law has been declared in London and the other population centres, so we are unable to take you to your barracks yet. First the streets must be cleared. There are no shields or batons available, so we will use fixed bayonets."

"You are the British Army, and I trust you to uphold the traditions of that Army. Turn in your ammunition so there are no accidental discharges, and try to minimise casualties among the civilians. We will organise cover if firearms are used against you." He left and headed back through the terminal, and the sergeants began to split everyone up into squads.

"What about bricks and stuff, Sarge?" Harry had seen riots on the TV and they always included rocks and bricks. "Without shields, we'll get beaten to death even with helmets.

"Move your packs round to the front if possible. Take some gear out to lighten them, but nothing essential. I don't know if we're coming back here though your kitbags will catch up eventually." The solution spread down the line and a very small pile grew behind them. Most of what was in the packs was essential if they weren't coming back to collect it. The pack felt weird hung in front but was probably capable of stopping a brick.

"Right, you lot. Outside those doors are the taxi ranks and access roads. We go left, to where a fairly thin line of London Bobbies is trying to stop the citizens storming the planes."

"Why do they want the planes, Sarge?" Which was a good question since there were no pilots in evidence. Though another two planes had landed.

"Since I'm a mushroom as well I wasn't told. Presumably because one of them thinks they can fly one of those bloody planes. Which they will not be allowed to do. Am I clear?" "Yes Sarge!" From most of the throats present.

"Let's get at it then, because there's another two planeloads coming through here to sort out any other little problems. Turn in your ammunition, now." Harry really started to worry. What sort of unrest needed three planeloads of squaddies with bayonets?

****************************************

Book Review:

“Kill or be killed! If you are going to die, die fighting!” Corporal Harry Miller now lives by these words, especially after fighting in Iraq. There is a worldwide petroleum war going on causing people in London to behave sadistic as food and other commodities become scarce. After his discharge, Harry finds shelter in an abandoned community taking his widowed sister and her children, and other residents, after they come under attack from crazed rioters.

Harry is elected their leader and suddenly finds himself in a different kind of war as the fighting escalates. He delegates duties to this diverse group that are mostly defenceless against the violent mobs. They struggle to survive by taking available supplies from stores already looted and defend themselves against the gangs who constantly appear to harm them. This is difficult since the army base nearby will not allow them to retaliate with guns, so they learn to improvise and hope their efforts will not be in vain when the next mob attack occurs.

Fall of the Cities: Planting the Orchard – Book 1 is a thriller by Vance Huxley. It was hard to put down the book since it is a riveting action packed one. There are several interesting characters that the author developed very nicely, and some had their own special qualities and personal issues to make them stand out. Harry is one such character that I would not make an enemy. I like the way the refugees banded together to defend themselves, despite being scared - “United we stand, divided we fall.”

Vance Huxley created a wonderful story that was intriguing from the beginning with very entertaining sections as well as some emotional ones that made the plot even stronger. He has shown his excellent writing skills in this engaging novel. The book cover is nicely illustrated and readers will eventually learn why the title is appropriate for the story. Planting the Orchard, Book 1 from the Fall of the Cities series is highly recommended.

About the Author:

Vance Huxley lives out in the countryside in Lincolnshire, England. He has spent a busy life working in many different fields - including the building and rail industries, as a workshop manager, trouble-shooter for an engineering firm, accountancy, cafe proprietor, and graphic artist. He also spent time in other jobs, and is proud of never being dismissed, and only once made redundant.

Eventually he found his Noeline, but unfortunately she died much too young. To help with the aftermath, Vance tried writing though without any real structure. As an editor and beta readers explained the difference between words and books, he tried again.

Now he tries to type as often as possible in spite of the assistance of his cats, since his legs no longer work well enough to allow anything more strenuous. An avid reader of sci-fi, fantasy and adventure novels, his writing tends towards those genres.

Monday, 23 November 2015

Thirteen-year-old Naz Anderson is a troubled teen who lives with his little sister Meri at a foster home. He tries to live a normal life but has constant flashbacks and nightmares about places and events that seem familiar, and he often hears voices. Naz unconsciously makes things move by thinking about them but is not fully aware of the supernatural powers he possesses. He is a smart student who detests unwanted attention, but somehow always manages to be the main attraction for bullies. There is also a strange man in a car who appears wherever he goes.

Naz is desperate to find information regarding his deceased parents, especially his father, whom he knows little about. The Grand Master while competing against him in a chess tournament intrigues Naz, but he cannot figure out why there is such a familiarity about him. His part-time job also keeps him occupied, but a gang known as Incubus Apostles has plans for Naz that could disrupt this source of income that he badly needs.

IA Initiate is a wonderful supernatural thriller for young adults by John Daryl Winston. It is an emotional story of a teen who shoulders more burdens than most his age, and unusual ones too. Naz and Meri are fiercely protective of each other, but each has their own emotional baggage to carry. There are also flashbacks into the past prior to Naz’s birth that stirred my curiosity, as well as the ending, which has kept me guessing what the final outcome will be.

I like the author's writing format and the intriguing direction in which he took the story since dreams are an important part of the plot. IA Initiate is an absorbing, well-written novel. It is the first book in a series of sci-fi thrillers that young adults will find interesting. JohnDaryl Winston also includes Meri’s Crossword Puzzles and a Words of Wisdom builder that students who take standardized tests should know. These are located at the back of the book, which is worth reading.

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About Me

I try to embrace life and what it has to offer. I like freelance writing and will spend all day doing this. There are so many interesting things to write about, and I get to set my own schedule working for myself. I'm having fun!